Search Results (8,606)

The increasing challenges of urbanization and climate change have driven the need for innovative stormwater management solutions. Rain gardens, as a nature-based solution (NBS), have emerged as a critical component in urban water management, particularly in enhancing hydrological regulation, water quality, and ecosystem services. This bibliometric review examines the application of rain gardens in urban environments, focusing on their roles in stormwater management, pollutant removal, and ecological enhancement. Data from 728 academic papers published between 2000 and 2023 were analyzed using the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, employing bibliometric tools such as the “Bibliometrix” R package and CiteSpace. The analysis highlights the increasing global interest in rain gardens, particularly since 2015, with China and the United States leading research efforts. Key findings reveal that rain gardens significantly reduce runoff, improve water quality, and contribute to urban biodiversity. In addition, their integration into public spaces offers landscape esthetics and social benefits, enhancing the quality of life in urban areas. However, challenges remain in optimizing their design for diverse climates and long-term performance. The study underscores the need for further research on plant–soil interactions, pollutant removal mechanisms, and the broader ecological and social contributions of rain gardens. This review provides insights into the evolution of rain garden research and identifies future directions for advancing sustainable urban stormwater management. Full article

The evolution of beyond fifth generation (B5G) wireless networks poses significant technical and economic challenges across urban, suburban, and rural areas, demanding increased capacity for users whose positions continually change. This study investigated the dynamic positioning of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), acting as a mobile base station (MoBS) to enhance network efficiency and meet ground terminals (GTs) expectations for data rates, particularly in emergency scenarios or temporary events. While UAVs show great promise, existing research often assumes certainty in network architecture, overlooking the complexities of unpredictable user movements. We introduce a decision-making framework utilizing the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator to address uncertainties in GT locations, enabling the optimization of UAV trajectories to maximize the overall network data rate. An optimization problem is formulated by modeling GT dynamics through a Markov process and discretizing UAV movements while accounting for communication thresholds and movement constraints. Extensive simulations reveal that our approach significantly improves expected data rates by up to 48% compared to traditional fixed base stations (BSs) and predefined UAV movement patterns. This research underscores the potential of UAV-assisted networks to bolster communication reliability while effectively managing dynamic user movements to maintain optimal quality of service (QoS). Full article

With so many studies today on the water quality of the sea, one can hardly comprehend the multitude of topics that arise all over the world. This study provides a few graphic syntheses related to the most frequent words (including their clustering and links), trend topics, the spatial distribution of the researched areas, and the thematic evolution of the research directions over the decades. The most frequent authors’ keywords have a 50% similitude between the ocean studies and the studies related to the Mediterranean Sea; these keywords are part of a causal chain that dominates the marine studies on water quality: nutrients → eutrophication → phytoplankton → chlorophyll → seagrass. The most frequent words in the titles and abstracts of the selected papers from the Web of Science are “concentration” and “species”; in the Mediterranean studies, “chlorophyll” and “temperature” are the most frequent. In close connection with water quality, Zostera marina (eelgrass) and Crassotrea virginica (eastern oyster) prevail at the global scale, while Posidonia oceanica (Neptune grass) is relevant in the Mediterranean space. Some of the most studied water bodies are the South China Sea, San Francisco Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and, in the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, and Marmara seas. “Climate change” and “remote sensing” are trend topics that shape the current studies on water quality; the increasing sea surface temperature enhances algal blooms—these need to be monitored using satellite imagery for the sustainable evolution of human activities, including aquaculture. Full article

Background: Cancer remains a global health challenge, characterized not just by uncontrolled cell proliferation but also by the complex metabolic reprogramming that underlies its development and progression. Objectives: This review delves into the intricate relationship between cancer and its metabolic alterations, drawing an innovative comparison with the cosmological concepts of dark matter and dark energy to highlight the pivotal yet often overlooked role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor evolution. Methods: It scrutinizes the Warburg effect and other metabolic adaptations, such as shifts in lipid synthesis, amino acid turnover, and mitochondrial function, driven by mutations in key regulatory genes. Results: This review emphasizes the significance of targeting these metabolic pathways for therapeutic intervention, outlining the potential to disrupt cancer’s energy supply and signaling mechanisms. It calls for an interdisciplinary research approach to fully understand and exploit the intricacies of cancer metabolism, pointing toward metabolic reprogramming as a promising frontier for developing more effective cancer treatments. Conclusion: By equating cancer’s metabolic complexity with the enigmatic nature of dark matter and energy, this review underscores the critical need for innovative strategies in oncology, highlighting the importance of unveiling and targeting the “dark energy” within cancer cells to revolutionize future therapy and research. Full article

Phoebe bournei is a second-class endangered and protected species unique to China, and it holds significant ecological and economic value. DNA binding one zinc finger (Dof) transcription factors are plant-specific regulators. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Dof genes are involved in plant growth, development and responses to abiotic stress. In this study, we identified and analyzed 34 PbDof gene members at the whole-genome level. The results indicated that the 34 PbDof genes were unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. We utilized the Dof genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and P. bournei to construct a phylogenetic tree and categorized these genes into eight subgroups. In the collinearity analysis, there were 16 homologous gene pairs between AtDof and PbDof and nine homologous gene pairs between ZmDof and PbDof. We conducted a cis-acting element analysis and found that cis-acting elements involved in light response were the most abundant in PbDof genes. Through SSR site prediction, we analyzed that the evolution level of Dof genes is low. Additionally, we assessed the expression profiles of eight PbDof genes under high temperature, drought, and light stress using qRT-PCR. In particular, PbDof08 and PbDof16 are significantly upregulated under the three stresses. This study provides foundational information for PbDof genes and offers new insights for further research on the mechanism of Dof transcription factors responding to stress, as well as the adaptation of P. bournei to environmental changes. Full article

For advancing manufacturing, arising AM, with an inverse philosophical approach compared to conventional procedures, has benefits that include intricate fabrication, reduced material waste, flexible design, and more. Regardless of its potential, AM must overcome several challenges due to multi-physical processes with miscellaneous physical stimuli in diverse materials systems and situations, such as anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties, a restricted choice of materials, defects, and high cost. Unlike conventional experimental work that requires extensive trial and error resources and FEM, which generally consumes substantial computational power, the analytical approach based on physics is an exceptional choice. Understanding the relationship between the microstructure and material properties of the fabricated parts is a crucial focus in AM research. Texture is a vital factor in almost every modern industry. This study first proposed a physics-based model to foreshadow the multi-phase crystallographic orientation distribution in Ti-6Al-4V LPBF while considering the part boundary conditions due to the importance of part geometry in real industry. The thermal distribution obtained from this function operates as the information for the single-phase crystallographic texture model. In this model, we forerun and validate the orientations of single-phase materials utilizing three Euler Angles with the principles of CET and thermodynamics, as well as the intensity of the texture by approximating them with published results. Then, we transform the single-phase texture into a dual-phase texture in Bunge calculation, illustrating visualized by pole figures of both BCC and HCP phases. The tendency and appearances of both BCC and HCP phases in pole figures predicted agree well with the experimental results. This texture evolution model provides a new paradigm for future researchers to model the texture or microstructure evolution semi-analytically and save many computational resources in a real-world perspective. Others have not yet done this work about simulating the multi-phase texture in an analytical approach, so this work bridges the gap in this field. Furthermore, this paper establishes the foundation for future research on materials properties affected by microstructure or texture in academic and industrial environments. The precision and dependability of the results obtained through this method make it a valuable tool for ongoing research and advancement. Full article

This article critically examines the Islamic Religious Community (IRC) in North Macedonia, focusing on its significant role in influencing religious practices, socio-political dynamics, and interfaith relations within the country. Since its inception following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the IRC has been central to redefining the public role of Islam, advocating for religious freedoms, and supporting the development of democratic values. Through a mixed-methods approach, this research traces the historical evolution of the IRC, analyzes its constitutional and legal framework, and assesses its impact on North Macedonia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. While the IRC’s contributions to promoting interfaith understanding and national stability are highlighted, the study also critically engages with the institution’s shortcomings, particularly the controversies related to its leadership and the challenges posed by its political entanglements. These issues have, at times, compromised the IRC’s efforts in fostering social cohesion and interfaith harmony. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex role of religious institutions in enhancing social stability and democratic governance in diverse societies, positioning the IRC as a significant case study with implications for similar contexts globally. Full article

Focusing on maritime pilgrimages to the Madonna of the Reef in Perast (Montenegro) and the Madonna of Zečevo in Nin (Croatia), the authors explore how tourism—which has become the primary economic driver for local populations—has impacted these centuries-old and deeply religious sites and practices. Local religious and cultural heritage, which has evolved into a tourist attraction, is deeply integrated into the local way of life, particularly within maritime and fishing communities. The shift in the dynamics of everyday life and the evolution of these sites and communities—now framed predominantly within the realm of tourism as the primary economic driver—has resulted in religious practices and pilgrimage sites transforming into tourist attractions. The research is divided into two segments. The initial phase, conducted between 2021 and 2023, involved group interviews using a consistent methodology and research instrument, engaging pertinent stakeholders from the respective local communities. The second segment involves a content analysis of websites promoting maritime pilgrimages and categorising them into two distinct groups: (1) websites of national, regional, and local tourist organisations responsible for promoting tourism in Croatia and Montenegro, and (2) Tripadvisor. The research and analysis indicate that local stakeholders lack the intention to promote and utilise maritime religious pilgrimage as a tourist attraction. While both maritime pilgrimages have undergone transformations and incorporated new elements, these changes are not primarily driven by tourism. Instead, they result from general shifts in everyday life. Full article

Located in the eastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean and near the equator, carbonate sedimentation widely developed in the Sichuan Basin in the Permian Guadalupian period. Although the growth and decline of carbonate particles are closely related to the surrounding sedimentary environment, the relationships between the grain composition and distribution of the northwest Sichuan Basin and the sedimentary environment are not clear. This study explored the particle type, particle content, and sedimentary structure of 300 thin sections from 19 wells and seven field profiles of the Guadalupian period in the northwest Sichuan Basin, identified seven microfacies and four microfacies associations, analyzed the sedimentary environment, and established a sedimentary evolution model. The results show that there was a warm-water Dasycladaceae-dominated and foraminifera-dominated open platform developed in the early Roadian era in the research area. As the climate cooled during the late Roadian era, the warm-water carbonate sedimentary environment was replaced by a cold-water bryozoan-dominated and echinoid-dominated marginal sedimentary environment. As the climate continued to cool and the sea level dropped, the platform margin grain beach sediment underwent further development in the early Wordian era. In the late Wordian era stage, the sedimentary environment was influenced by the Dongwu movement, resulting in sea level changes and acidification caused by hydrothermal activities, which reduced the degree of grain beach development. During the Capitanian era, the climate became warmer due to the eruption of the ELIP. The uplift caused by the Dongwu movement resulted in a relative shallowing of the platform margin region, and hence, the grain beach sediment only developed in the southwest, while the northeast was dominated by deepwater basin sediments. The sudden transition from a warm-water, autotroph-dominated carbonate open platform to a cold-water, heterozoan-dominated carbonate platform margin resulted from a combination of tectonic movements, rapid sea level changes, and sedimentary environment changes during the Guadalupian era. Full article

Studying historical rural landscapes beyond their archaeological and cultural significance, as has typically been addressed in previous research, is important in the context of current environmental challenges. Some historical rural landscapes, such as Roman land divisions, have persisted for more than 2000 years and may still contribute to sustainability goals. To assess this topic, the hydraulic and vegetation network of the centuriation northeast of Padua were studied, emphasising their multiple benefits. Their length, distribution, and evolution over time (2008–2022) were vectorised and measured using available digital terrain models and orthophotographs in a geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed a significant decline in the length of water ditches and hedgerows across almost all examined areas, despite their preservation being highlighted in regional and local spatial planning documents. These findings indicate the need for a better understanding of the local dynamics driving such trends and highlight the importance of adopting a more tailored approach to their planning. This study discusses the GIS metrics utilised and, in this way, contributes to landscape monitoring and restoration actions. Finally, a multifunctional approach to the sustainable planning of this area is proposed here—one that integrates the cultural archaeological heritage in question with environmental preservation and contemporary climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Full article

Rockfall phenomena are considered highly dangerous due to their rapid evolution and difficult prediction without applying preventive monitoring and mitigation actions. This research investigates a hazardous site in the Municipality of Vecchiano (Province of Pisa, Italy), characterized by vertical rock walls prone to instability due to heavy fracturing and karst phenomena. The presence of anthropical structures and a public road at the bottom of the slopes increases the vulnerability of the site and the site’s risk. To create a comprehensive geological model of the area, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) photogrammetric surveys were conducted to create a 3D model useful in photointerpretation. In accessible and safe areas for personnel, engineering–geological surveys were carried out to characterize the rock mass and to define the portion of rock walls to be monitored. Results from nine multitemporal Robotic Total Station (RTS) measurement campaigns show that no monitoring prisms recorded significant displacement trends, both on the horizontal and vertical plane and in differential slope distance. Additionally, satellite Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) analysis indicates that the slopes were stable over the two years of study. The integration of these analysis techniques has proven to be an efficient solution for assessing slope stability in this specific rockfall-prone area. Full article

Land degradation poses a significant global challenge, adversely affecting soil quality and diminishing the productivity of arable land, which, in turn, impacts food production and ecosystem services. This degradation manifests in various forms, including soil compaction, salinity, nutrient depletion, loss of biodiversity, and contamination, ultimately rendering soil unproductive and exacerbating climate change. Given the challenges arising from conventional farming practices and climate change, there is an urgent necessity to develop agricultural systems that not only enhance agronomic efficiency but also improve environmental performance. This study focuses on addressing food security in Africa by investigating the role of land restoration and biodiversity in sustainable food systems through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis for documents between 2010 to 2023, identifying 64 relevant documents. The analysis reveals insights into the most-cited documents and thematic evolution, underscoring the significant contributions from Ethiopia and advocating for collaborative efforts among African nations. Key themes identified include “climate change”, “food security”, “biodiversity conservation”, and “agroecosystems”, all highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The study anticipates a continued prioritization of agroecosystems, smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation to tackle food security challenges in the face of climate change. Collaboration, investment in research, and practical initiatives emerge as essential components for achieving sustainable food security and mitigating climate change impacts in Africa. This research provides valuable insights into the current landscape and future trends regarding the contributions of land restoration and biodiversity to food systems in Africa, emphasizing the critical need for concerted efforts to address these pressing issues. Full article

Circular economy (CE) research has advanced significantly in recent years in areas like environmental science, engineering, and technology. Governance presents CE strategies as imperative and compelling, often linked to efforts to achieve sustainable business development. However, the financial quantification of a CE is still underexplored and heterogeneous, with multiple research streams exploring the financial dimension. The aims of this study are twofold: (i) to analyze the productivity of the scientific literature and the conceptual evolution of circularity as it relates to financial strategies; and (ii) to formulate future research directions addressing a CE in close connection with financial sustainability knowledge. Bilbiometrix R-package 2023.12.1 and VOSviewer version 1.6.20 were used to analyze a sample of 279 articles retrieved from WoS and Scopus using the PRISMA protocol. The analysis covered the period 2010–2023, with the diachronic thematic analysis revealing four key themes: (1) CE and green financial performance; (2) environmental impact of CE; (3) performance approach of CE and metrics; (4) CE and sustainable development. Building on previous knowledge, we developed an integrated and multidisciplinary framework of CE embedded in financial performance. Future research agenda shaped by the emerging themes and research gaps can support managers, shareholders, or governance in incorporating CE policies into operational activities and strengthening sustainable circularity knowledge. Full article

The control of soft surrounding rock stability has always been a hot academic issue. Soft rock has poor stability and low strength, and the deformation of a soft rock tunnel becomes more serious after it is affected by water for a long time. In this paper, the Jintong Coal Mine is taken as the research object, and nondestructive immersion experiments are used to study the change in mechanical properties of rock after being affected by water. The FLAC numerical model is used to analyze the stress evolution characteristics of the surrounding rock after being affected by water, and the results of the study show that the water absorption of siltstone is always higher than that of coarse-grained sandstone, and the uniaxial compressive strength of siltstone and coarse-grained sandstone decreases by 54.59% and 67.99%, respectively, under a state of saturated water compared with that under a state of dryness. Influenced by a T-shaped surface, the maximum principal stress concentration area occurs in the rock layer below the T-shaped surface and outside the joint. Concentrations of maximum shear stress occur within the “T” channel. Vertical stress concentration zones occur at the higher ground level and the bottom of the slope. The maximum shear stress of the roof fluctuates before the face reaches the surface of the “1” section, and continues to increase with and continues to increase with the distance of the face. After entering below the surface of the “1” section, the maximum shear stress of the roof increases rapidly, and the influence range is about 24 m. The maximum shear stress distribution plays a dominant role in the stability of the surrounding rocks of the two roadways. We analyze the principle of high-strength economic support, propose a “four-in-one” surrounding rock control technology based on “controlled hydrophobicity, structural adjustment, district management, and gradient control”, and propose a surrounding rock control scheme of district management. The measured data on site show that the roadway surrounding the rock is reasonably controlled. This provides a reference for the stable control of the surrounding rock of the roadway under similar conditions. Full article

Blockchain consensus mechanisms play a critical role in ensuring the security, decentralization, and integrity of distributed networks. As blockchain technology expands beyond cryptocurrencies into broader applications such as supply chain management and healthcare, the importance of efficient and scalable consensus algorithms has grown significantly. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of blockchain and consensus mechanism research from 2014 to 2024, using tools such as VOSviewer and R’s Bibliometrix package. The analysis traces the evolution from foundational mechanisms like Proof of ork (PoW) to more advanced models such as Proof of Stake (PoS) and Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT), with particular emphasis on Ethereum’s “The Merge” in 2022, which marked the historic shift from PoW to PoS. Key findings highlight emerging themes, including scalability, security, and the integration of blockchain with state-of-the-art technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and energy trading. The study also identifies influential authors, institutions, and countries, emphasizing the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of blockchain research. Through thematic analysis, this review uncovers the challenges and opportunities in decentralized systems, underscoring the need for continued innovation in consensus mechanisms to address efficiency, sustainability, scalability, and privacy concerns. These insights offer a valuable foundation for future research aimed at advancing blockchain technology across various industries. Full article